Telehealth Exercise Boosts Sleep and Reduces Parental Stress in Autism

This is a 16-week, theory-driven (Social Cognitive Theory \& Self-Determination Theory) behavioral intervention delivered remotely to caregivers of children with ASD. The program is facilitated by trained therapists via videoconference in small groups and consists of weekly 45-minute sessions. Core components include personalized exercise prescription, collaborative goal-setting, behavior change support, and safety education. Caregivers are coached to guide their child in three 30-40 minute physical activity sessions per week. To provide individualized support, therapists conduct two 10-minute one-on-one phone consultations per family based on biweekly activity logs submitted by caregivers.

This is a 16-week, structured, in-person physical activity intervention for children with ASD. The program consists of three 40-minute sessions per week delivered on-site at a partner school by certified physical education instructors. The curriculum is manualized and includes an Individualized Motor Protocol, Structured Group Sessions, and Behavior Change Support. Instructors provide direct, hands-on correction and feedback during sessions, adjusting task difficulty in real-time to match each child's individual capabilities and needs.

This is a minimal intervention control. Participants in this group do not receive a structured or guided physical activity program. At the beginning of the study, caregivers are provided with a one-time, webinar-style session on general pediatric health topics (e.g., nutrition, sleep hygiene) and an exercise guidance manual. These materials are for optional, independent use by the caregivers, and no active monitoring or follow-up is provided by the research team regarding their use.